Posted by libertees on December 29th, 2011 | No Comments »
Westminster lies on the northen bank of the River Thames and is within the City of Westminster. It is home to some of London’s most prestigious landmarks and visitor attractions. It has been the centre of the British Government for almost a millennium.
Westminster hotels are conveniently placed for the following attractions:
Westminster Abbey is a wonderful building built by Edward the Confessor and the traditional venue of the coronation of the kings and queens of England, including that of William the Conqueror in 1066. It is also a burial ground of Mary Queen of Scots, Queen Elizabeth I, Chamberlain, Gladstone and Chaucer to name but a few. Ben Jonson, the poet, was buried upright. The funeral service for Princess Diana was held at the Westminster Abbey but she was not buried there.
Big Ben is one of the most recognisable landmarks in London. Most people think that Big Ben is the name of the clock tower standing next to the Houses of Parliament, but it is actually the name of the Great Bell that chimes within it. The clock tower was constructed after the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire on 16th October 1834. Watch out for the light above Big Ben – it illuminates when Parliament is sitting.
Houses of Parliament is more correctly known as the Palace of Westminster which was built by Edward the Confessor in 1040. It was the principal residence of the kings of England since its construction until 1512.
The present Houses of Parliament were built after the Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire in 1834 amd it took about 30 years to complete. Its existing buildings contain about 1,200 rooms, 100 staircases and over 2 miles od passages.
Parliament Square is the square located opposite the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. It is a tourist magnet and attracts hordes of camera-toting visitors every day. It is also a venue of large scale protests such as the anti-capitalist May Day protest in 2000 and the anti-war protest in March 2003. There are also lots of statues of famous politicians including Abraham Lincoln, Sir Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela.
The London Eye, also known as the Millennium Wheel, has been the most popular paid tourist attraction in the UK. Standing at a height of 135 metres, it is the largest ferris wheel in Europe, It lets people climb above the city and enjoy the panoramic view of Westminster and the rest of London. Since 1st January 2005, the London Eye has been the focal point of London’s New Year celebrations, with firework displays welcoming in the New Year, and involving fireworks firing from the wheel itself.
The Cenotaph is a War memorial located in Whitehall in the vicinity of Downing Street. A remembrance service is held here every year on the Sunday nearest to 11th November at 11.00am to commemorate the War Heros who died in the two world wars. More than one million men and women from Britain and the Commonwealth died in World War I between 1914 and 1918, and nearly 500,000 in World War II from 1939 to 1945.
Downing Street is named after Sir George Downing who bought the land and built the houses on it in 1680. Traditionally, No. 10 Downing Street has been the official residence of British Prime Ministers and No. 11 Downing Street the official residence of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, since 1732. However, for a period of about 10 years when Labour came to power in 1997, the then Prime Minister, Tony Blair, and his Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, switched residences to enable the Prime Minister’s growing family to have more room.
Horse Guards is Whitehall’s biggest tourist attraction. The Trooping of the Colour, where the Queen inspects her troops is held here every year on the Queen’s official birthday, on the third Saturday of June. The Household Cavalry mounts the guard here (10.00am – 4.00pm daily). The Changing of the Guard takes place every day (Monday to Saturday) at 11.00am and Sunday at 10.00am. This is different from the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.
Trafalgar Square commemorates England’s victory over France at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Nelson’s Column, built in 1842 and standing at 170 feet tall, is in the centre of the square with four large lions guarding it at the base of the column. Today, Trafalgar Square is one of the city’s most vibrant open spaces and provides a platform for new artistic performances and events. Visitors to Trafalgar Square used to enjoy feeding pigeons before the authorities put a ban to this popular activity.
Admiralty Arch on the south-west of Trafalgar Square, incorporated offices and residents for the Sea Lords at the time. It was designed by Sir Aston Webb in 1910 and completed in 1911 to provide an impressive ceremonial archways and form a spectacular entrance to The Mall leading up to Buckingham Palace. In 2000, the Cabinet Office moved into offices in the building, while maintaining its headquarters on Whitehall.
Buckingham Palace is the official London residence of the British monarch. When the Queen is in residence, the Royal Standard flag is raised. You can watch the Changing of the Guard for free at 11.30am every morning during summer and every other day during winter (weather permitting). Regular exhibitions take place at the Queen’s Gallery to enable the public to see one of the finest private collections of art and antiques in the world.
Chow Siew is a retired management accountant. He now enjoys travelling and is the webmaster of . This site provides event news and activities in London including , theatre and and London Passes.
Posted by libertees on December 20th, 2011 | No Comments »
Aptly named the city that never sleeps, New York is simply bursting with cultural style and entertainment opportunities galore. Birthplace to a host of pioneering musical movements, including hip hop, punk and disco, and boasting an unparalleled range of unusual activities to pursue, it is hard to find a place exuding the kind of coolness that’s present on the streets of New York City.
As a result, it is possible to find something to excite the senses and stimulate the mind, regardless of when you visit.
For instance, home to the biggest concentration of Chinese people in the Western hemisphere, New York’s Chinatown is a definite must-see. Comprised of a hectic jumble of winding streets and narrow lanes, there is a multitude of experiences to be had there, from the mouth-watering eateries and bustling markets to the unusual shops packed full of authentic knickknacks.
The area also plays host to a number of live events and annual celebrations. The weekly screenings of Chinese movies, the annual Autumn Moon Cultural Festival & Children’s Lantern Parade and the live performances at The Taipei Theater are all highlights.
To satiate your thirst for shopping without breaking the bank, New York’s flea markets are an absolute treasure trove filled with a wealth of one-off antiques, rare records and vintage clothing. For second-hand designer clothing, Hell’s Kitchen Flea Market is the place to go, with over 50 stalls to browse.
Those seeking antique items, on the other hand, will not be left disappointed by the offerings to be found at the Antiques Garage, whilst Green Flea offers up some great homemade jewellery and affordable furniture.
If you’ve worked your way around the city’s art galleries and exhibitions, and have had enough of standing in line for hours at the Museum of Modern Art exhibition, it is well worth heading to Dia:Beacon, located just outside of New York.
Housing an impressive collection of mammoth art pieces, which are generally too big to fit inside most other museums, it is well worth the 80 minute train ride that it takes to get there. Not only that, but with its doors opening out onto the banks of the River Hudson, it is the perfect spot for picnicking, or simply sitting back and admiring the sights.
The city is also home to a plethora of cool restaurants, funky bars and crazy nightclubs, meaning that the time you spend in between visiting attractions and soaking up the culture is never wasted.
Additionally, there is an endless array of New York accommodation options to choose from, including the hip , and secluded self-catering apartments to a range of cheap hostels. Consequently, every taste is catered for in this remarkable city, regardless of whether you have buckets of spare cash to spend or are on a budget!
Matthew Pressman writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
Posted by libertees on December 3rd, 2011 | No Comments »
Sydney is by far the city where it is all happening. If you are planning to visit Australia, then make sure you fly into Sydney as it would be a shame to miss out on all the action.
Particularly exciting are the months leading up to Christmas and the summer holiday as there are lots of festivities and festivals to attend. Due to the weather most things happen outdoors and people here love to socialize you are guaranteed to meet lots of locals as well as tourists and visitors from all over.
At these times of year it can get extremely busy so make sure you book hotel accommodation before you travel. It will save you a lot of time and effort than just arriving in the city and then having to look for lodgings, especially as the best hotels will probably already be booked up.
Sydney is host to all sorts of annual events and the most popular amongst these include the Sydney festival in January, the Mardi Gras in February, the Royal Easter Show and Chinese New Year celebrations in March, Fashion Week in May, film and art festivals in the summer months, the Jazz Festival in October, Sculpture by the Sea in November and Christmas and New Year celebrations in December. And that’s just a few of the events occurring at different events all over the city!
With such a large number of it’s easy to see how busy Sydney gets and why it is so important to book accommodation before you arrive here if you want to avoid disappointment. Sydney is also a great starting point from which to explore the remoter parts of the country and the transport links to the northern state of Queensland or Melbourne in Victoria are very good.
This multicultural city attracts all kinds of people, from backpackers to retirement age, and independent travelers to families. You will find restaurants and pavement cafes to suit all budgets and the range of food on offer is international. If you have come to meet other people you won’t be disappointed as there are plenty of bars and clubs where people can meet up, many people come to the city alone, but never leave alone. Book your Sydney accommodation well ahead of your travel plans to ensure you get a good deal.
Since hosting the Olympics in 2000, the city has transformed itself into a cosmopolitan modern metropolis and this is reflected in the luxury hotels, shopping opportunities and dining venues available. Just walk the pavements and you will be awestruck by the magnificent skyline. It doesn’t take long to locate the famous on the harbour and its surrounding coastline.
Head to Sydney’s famous Oxford Street for nightlife, the area is jam-packed with bars, pavement cafes, nightclubs and shops. It runs from Hyde Park to Centennial Park, and is based around Taylor Square. Here you’ll find anything from antique shops and fashion, to book stores and unique boutiques, it’s also where the Paddington Market Bazaar is held on Saturdays. Along with lots of things to buy the market also hosts live entertainment and delicious food stalls. There’s plenty of accommodation choice in this area and its convenient too as you will be within walking distance of most of the city’s main attractions.
The Rocks, situated in Sydney’s city centre, were originally the haunting place of convicts and prostitutes, all which has changed now and has since developed into a tourist area with old cobbled streets, charming architecture and a lively nightlife.
There are also a number of interesting walks around the area that incorporate various attractions, such as Sydney’s first goal, Cadman’s Cottage and Sydney’s shortest street. George Street is the main street through the Rocks area and the oldest street in Australia, here you’ll see Billich Gallery, the Old Police Station, the union Bond Store, the Vault Restaurant and the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Another place not to miss whilst in Sydney is the famous Bondi Beach, known for its long sandy beach and surf. The resort is very popular and a trendy place to hang out for beach goers, surfers, rollerbladers, skaters and cyclists. Check out online for convenience and an easy booking procedure.
Michiel Van Kets provides article services for William Sharp who works for Cheaper than Hotels Australia, a travel-operator that helps travelers find the right hotel at the right price. By using smart and intuitive technology users can quickly search a database offering bargains at more than 48,000 properties in 130 countries worldwide. Visit the website for affordable accommodation around the world.Find budget Sydney hotels and as well as affordable .
Posted by libertees on November 29th, 2011 | No Comments »
Mykonos & Santorini Islands of the Cyclades in Greece, are worldwide famous for the unique romantic settings they provide. Depending on each couple’s needs and personality, Rocabella Resorts & Spas Group make, every year, the dreams of thousands of couples come true, as they offers complete wedding services in their two Resorts, the Rocabella Santorini Resort and Spa and the Rocabella Mykonos Art Hotel and Spa .
Renown as the ultimate romantic destinations for unforgettable wedding experiences in Greece, where couples are invited to say “I do” facing the majestic Aegean Sea sunset in Mykonos & Santorini Islands of the Cyclades, Rocabella Resorts & Spa propose a complete array of wedding services.
Whether the couple wishes to have a totally romantic wedding in Santorini Island or a glamorous party in Mykonos Island, Rocabella Resorts organizes unique wedding civil or religious ceremonies & receptions and takes care of every detail that will make the difference for every couple and their precious guests.
From wedding licenses to flower arrangements, from bride and groom’s special treatments to personalized wedding receptions and parties, each Hotel, Rocabella Santorini Resort and Spa and Rocabella Mykonos Art Hotel and Spa, make sure that everything is taking care of for a dreamy wedding.
Having planned weddings in Santorini since 1995, Rocabella Santorini Resort & Spa has gained an excellent reputation throughout the years and guarantee a unique experience, according each couple needs and envies. Rocabella Mykonos Art Hotel and Spa, has also a very big experience of wedding planning and organization in the most cosmopolitan Island of Greece.
With incredible accommodation facilities and complete personalized services in the most dreamy locations of the Islands of Mykonos and Santorini, Rocabella Resorts & Spas offer the best wedding celebrations for every couple’s and their esteemed guests unforgettable memories in Greece.
Rocabella Group is a group of luxury hotels in Greece. Real, chic and simple is the philosophy behind the Rocabella Santorini Resort and Spa and the Rocabella Mykonos Art Hotel.
Posted by libertees on November 3rd, 2011 | No Comments »
To many mothers, planning a birthday party can be very daunting. You need to have a theme and location in mind. These days, with birthday parties becoming more and more elaborate and different, why not do something different? Why not have the celebrations on a cruise? Everyone is sure to love the change and yes, they will enjoy themselves too.
If you’re an adult celebrating your birthday, one great birthday party idea if you are in Sydney is to book the Sydney Showboat. It’s also known as the “party boat” and is a good choice for an evening of fun with a dinner cruise thrown in with a three-course menu and a live international show.
Alternatively, you could choose a disco cruise as a , if you’re in London, UK. All you need to have is a group of six people and take a cruise down on the Thames, with lots of food and drink thrown in, not to forget the music. This sails down the Thames and has a DJ playing the latest music to put you into the party mood. And this includes enjoying a large buffet dinner which then goes on to non-stop partying, eating, drinking and dancing down the river.
Things can get slightly different if you’re taking a cruise with your family and celebrating one of your little kids’ birthday parties on board the cruise liner. For all of you, it’s a wonderful idea to celebrate the little one’s big day on a Birthday Party Cruise liner. But wait-first find out just how safe the ship is for little children.
For one, find out if they have day care facilities. If it does, it’s going to take the strain off you of looking after your kids-you can concentrate on enjoying yourself you’re your friends. Follow the steps given here and have a relaxing time cruising on your kid’s birthday. Here you go:
” Find out all you can about the Birthday Party Cruise liner you’re interested in. Ask if your friends who took the cruise you’re interested in have children who enjoyed themselves on the cruise?
” Ask if there are child care rooms and up to what age kids are allowed in here. How much does it cost to use a child care room? Should you book one in advance?
” Is the child care staff trained and are the children supervised? How are they kept busy? How many kids does each staff member look after?
” Is there any set check-in and pick-up procedure for kids in the child care room? Are they safe? Should children using this facility be potty-trained? Should they be vaccinated before they embark on this cruise?
If all your queries are answered satisfactorily, look beyond this and get cracking on the birthday celebrations. Remember, you’ve got a cake to think of, the other eats, games and take home gifts. What are you doing? Get up and get going. There’s not much you can get in the middle of the high seas-so go well prepared and have a good time.
Author Bio
The author Owns a fleet vessels in Sydney . It is one of the best available for , Xmas Party Sydney Harbour, Wedding Cruise Sydney Harbour, New years Eve Sydney Harbour.
Posted by libertees on February 1st, 2010 | No Comments »
As the name suggests, a party cruise is a party on a boat or ship. What an innovative way to party, right? Everyone loves cruising as much as they love partying, so it makes sense to combine both of them and have a good time. Besides, it’s a change from the ordinary, so why not?
” Types of party cruises: These parties can be of several kinds. Perhaps you want to party with friends and have a whale of a time, or you want an outing with your family, or are celebrating a milestone birthday or anniversary, or even an engagement. Well, then, a party cruise becomes an event to remember. These parties can go on from a few hours in the evening to a whole day. You can hire a boat and tailor it to your needs or just take a party cruise that’s readily available.
Among theme party cruises, there are pirate parties, casino party cruises and costume party cruises, apart from nightclub cruises. Others include the following:
” Music parties: You can have a hip hop cruise, a country Western cruise or any other distinct music party cruise, and can fit the food to it. For instance, if you have a country Western cruise, perhaps you might like to serve salsa and barbeque and salsa.
” Murder mysteries parties: Here, a guest or crew member is “murdered” on the boat and other guests play detectives and must find the killer.
” Ghost cruise parties: Here, the ship is haunted and guests spend time solving the mystery of the ghost and haunted ship.
” New Years Eve parties: These are three-hour parties and are held on New Year’s Eve in those spots where the ship can give views of spectacular fireworks or other celebrations.
” Contest cruise parties: The host organizes contests such as dancing, karaoke or something like American Idol which guests can take part in. Winners are given prizes.
” Chartered cruise parties: Sometimes, pleasure boat companies offer their boats to business houses or individuals who want to celebrate important events on board a ship.
” Where you can find party cruises: Browse cruise companies and arrange your time on the cruise with them. You can also approach big hotels or bars that have access to a river, beach or marina, or charter companies that give out their ships on tours. If the city you’re in is on a beach, it’s sure to offer these cruises.
” Costs: This would depend on the theme of the cruise party, the number of guests and the kind of ship you book. Fares start at $20 and can go up to $100 per head. You need to book well in advance.
The party cruises are generally accompanied with a lot of singing, dancing and fireworks. Provisions are made in advance, and the volumes are raised while the ship sails away on the sparkly waters of the Harbor, Ocean or river.
” What to wear: This depends on the kind of cruise you’re taking. If your cruise party starts in the afternoon, you might like to wear casual wear, but if it begins in the evening, you will be expected to dress as if you were going to a nightclub.
Author Bio
The author Owns a fleet vessels in Sydney . It is one of the best available for , Xmas Party Sydney Harbour, Wedding Cruise Sydney Harbour, New years Eve Sydney Harbour.
Posted by libertees on January 26th, 2010 | No Comments »
Sydney’s top array of accommodation options is not known for being cheap, so what are Sydney visitors to do when they can’t afford to spend a small fortune on one night’s accommodation in Sydney? Why not take a look at the available at South Sydney’s Cronulla Cabins? Thankfully the at Sydney’s Cronulla Cabins don’t look cheap – anything but. After undergoing a recent renovation these cheap cabins are now decked out with the latest creature comforts.
Sydney is a major hub for businesses, entertainment, celebrations and more so there are many reasons someone may need to visit Sydney and therefore require accommodation. Many of the typical accommodation options in Cronulla, Sydney are very expensive so what do you do if you want good cheap accommodation? You will be pleasantly surprised by Cronulla Cabins high standard and may wonder why you ever considered other accommodation options before. For many people the terms cheap & Sydney just don’t go together, but in this situation they do.
The at Cronulla Cabins are located in the perfect location to access all that Sydney has to offer. It is also within easy walking distance to the beautiful beaches, shops and restaurants in the area. If you want to explore Sydney’s city then Cronulla Cabins is close to local public transport options. Public transport is the cheapest way to get around and explore Sydney, so save your money and grab a ticket.
Cheap Sydney holidays are possible as long as you do your research and save money on some of the most expensive costs – like accommodation. So if you’re ready for a cheap Sydney holiday book your cheap cabin at Cronulla cabins today!
Cheap Sydney holidays are possible as long as you do your research and save money on some of the most expensive costs – like accommodation. So if you’re ready for a cheap Sydney holiday book your at Cronulla cabins today! You can also book online at or call their friendly staff on Ph: (02) 9523 4099.
Posted by libertees on January 26th, 2010 | No Comments »
South Africa is gearing up for the 2010 Football World Cup and fans from all over the world are rushing to secure accommodation. With hotel prices soaring for the 2010 Football World Cup in South Africa, fans are looking at alternative options. Self catering accommodation offer guests the ability to share accommodation cost making this an affordable option. Self catering accommodation allows guests the freedom to plan their stay without the restrictions of check in/out times and meal times.
offer self catering accommodation in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and all across South Africa. From luxury downtown self catering accommodation to a family home on the outskirts of the city even partygoers will find self catering accommodation ideal for hosting a post game party or gathering friends to watch games being played in other cities.
At the Aloha Self Catering in Durban guests can enjoy a home from home, accommodating up to 12 guests in total. Situated just 12 km south of Durban, Aloha makes the ideal location for a base for the World Cup. Horizon Holiday Cottages offer the tranquil surroundings of a Cape Town suburb. With fully equipped self catering facilities, these cottages are ideal for groups or families wanting to experience Cape Town life in the suburbs. The Tin Shack is situated in the exclusive Marina village in St Francis Bay, Eastern Cape. Far from what its name suggest, this self catering accommodation has luxury en suite bathrooms access to gardens and fully equipped kitchens. BookMyRoom-SAoffer these and much more, to book online in a simple a secure way.
Choosing South Africa self catering villas or apartments is also perfect for families with children, couples traveling together or groups of friends. All self catering accommodation comes with fully equipped kitchens to prepare meals at home to enjoy on a fully-furnished balcony. This allows you the flexibility to decide which nights you prefer to enjoy the local nightlife or walk a block or two to try out a new restaurant. Having laundry facilities at your disposable in your private holiday home is very convenient, having a dedicated parking space, particularly since parking will be especially difficult to find around the stadiums.
Many self catering accommodations are within walking distance or a short drive to beaches, museums and sites of historical or cultural importance. Natural attractions as Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands are just outside of Cape Town. As tourists ascend on South Africa for the 2010 World Cup, the atmosphere will be vibrant and full of excitement. Travelers will be coming from around the world to experience this historical event, enjoy victory celebrations indulge in sightseeing in host cities and be a part of all the excitement.
Posted by libertees on January 26th, 2010 | No Comments »
Golfing holidays in Spain – the very phrase evokes a delightful image of long green fairways under a warm sun. Golf may have been invented in cold, misty Scotland but it’s best enjoyed under sunny blue skies. And where better than in Spain? Not only does Spain promise year-round sunshine, it’s also home to some of the country’s – indeed Europe’s – best golf courses.
So where are the best golf courses to be found? The fact is you can find golf courses all over Spain. Many are in the tourist haunts of the Costa del Sol and the Algarve. Like so many places on the tourist trail, they tend to be crowded, poor value and lacking in the charm you’ll find in other parts of the country.
If you want to play golf in a real Spanish setting far from the crowds, head for the Costa Almeria in eastern Andalucía. This is one of Spain’s best kept golfing secrets and it’s clear to see why.
For one thing, it’s in the country’s driest province. Andalusia is graced with over 3000 hours of sunshine a year. That means you’re guaranteed a game of golf in the dry pretty much anytime.
Another factor in choosing this part of the country is that life in the Costa Almeria moves to a more relaxed rhythm that the frenetic holiday towns of the Costa del Sol or the Algarve. It’s less crowded and prices are reasonable not being geared towards tourists. Almeria is as beautiful as any part of Spain and offers its own charm reflected in the ancient villages and long gorgeous coastline.
Best of all for the golfer, Almeria has some of the most distinguished golf courses in Spain. Extensive golf course development has been carried out in recent years and many more courses are planned for the future. Currently, Almeria is home to nine quality golf courses. They are La Envía Golf & Spa Resort, Playa Serena, Alboran and Golf Almerimar in the south, and Aguilon, Desert Springs, Marina Golf, Macenas Golf & Beach Resort and Valle del Este in the north. Each has its own unique characteristics. For example, Desert Springs is Europe’s only Arizona desert style golf course and the spa resort of La Envia is a veritable oasis.
All of Almeria’s golf courses are convenient for resorts and the whole area is served by Almeria International Airport. It’s less than an hour’s drive away and offers regular, scheduled and from most UK airports.
When playing golf in , you are participating in the relaxed Spanish lifestyle. Plus, you have the pleasure of being in an area of great natural beauty. You can tee off to dramatic vistas of shore and coastline. And they don’t stand on ceremony here. You can play all year round dressed in shorts and a t-shirt. The infrastructure’s there, too, in the form of shops, bars, hotels, cafes, restaurants and all the other facilities you could need.
Of course, golf is not all the region has to offer. After your 18 holes, you can head off to a tapas bar and feast on local snacks washed down with the local tipple. Later you can head off to a music bar or disco. You can also sample a rich and ancient culture in the art galleries and museums. In short, you’ve got the recipe for perfect golf with the Costa Almeria being the perfect year round golf holiday destination.
So whether you’re on holidays in Spain or whether you’ve decided to acquire your own Spain property, golfing in Spain is one of the country’s great pleasures. The next time you’re looking for a golf holiday in the sun, forget the overrun golfing regions of the Costa del Sol. Instead look into spending your next golf holiday in Almeria.
If you fall under the spell of Spain, you’ll be happy to find that great property deals are another of the country’s charms. Spain propery comes in all types and price ranges. For example, you’ll find quality resorts near all the golf courses and investing in a home here will allow you to live in this golfing haven whenever you please.
Michiel Van Kets writes articles for The Almanzora Group Ltd, specialists in and Spain properties. is a region that has something for everyone, a rich culture, unhurried rhythm of daily life and celebrations. Enjoy quality of life, a genuine Spanish lifestyle with a true warmth of spirit.For quality holidays in Spain, visit the website.
Posted by libertees on January 25th, 2010 | No Comments »
Often called the Lunar New Year by native Chinese and Taiwanese, the Chinese New Year is the turning of the year, beginning on the first day of the month and finishing on the 15th. A festival that is centuries old and gaining each year in tradition and mythology, the essence of the festivities is the focus on what individual people believe in, how they behave and what they would like to see from the year ahead.
Right across the globe, wherever there is a substantial Chinese community, there will be Chinese New Year celebrations followed by a major holiday, with countries neighbouring China quite often joining in the season too, from Bhutan and Korea to Japan and Hong Kong.
After the great success of 2009′s celebrations, Birmingham’s 2010 Chinese New Year looks set to come back bigger than ever before. The year of the Tiger, 2010, marks the 4708th year of the Chinese calendar, and will be celebrated throughout Birmingham by the extensive Chinese community as well as thousands of other revellers, as the celebrations start with a bang as an extravagant dragon and lion dancing parade will march down Hurst Street under a shower of firecrackers.
More stalls than ever before will line the street, where visitors can browse during the day, before night-time brings with it a programme of acrobatic and cultural displays and performances to amaze the crowds and celebrate ceremonial tradition. 2010′s festival is sponsored by Lebara Mobile and, with their help, one of the oldest celebrations in the world will run side by side with similar Chinese New Year celebrations right across the UK, from London to Manchester.
The tiger is the twelfth Chinese zodiac sign, with people born under it generally being well liked and charismatic and this will be reflected in the diverse and enjoyable programme of events that will run throughout the festival. Free to the public, the varied programme this year includes, amongst many other things, opening speeches at the Arcadian Centre just after the Dragon Dance, followed by the Welcoming of the Chinese God of Wealth. Later on, there will be dramatic Kung Fu demonstrations, children’s dance classes, Dragon Pole dances and many interactive classes and opera performances, where festival goers can take part in ancient traditions.
With the help of the Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and the Birmingham City Council, this year’s Chinese New Year looks set to be the best yet, and many are offering special deals to welcome visitors to take part in the city’s seasonal festival.
Paul Buchanan writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
